We had the good fortune of connecting with Jon Giurleo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jon, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always been drawn to creating stories, artwork, and music. I can recall writing books when I was in elementary school. In middle school, I began writing songs. Eventually, I started to create beats and full songs in high school. I used to be obsessed with watching videos of other artists creating in the studio and I would stay up late watching them. Seeing how others approached their crafts added fuel to my fire. A creative career is the only career I can have. It is what I am best at. When I think about what I would like to contribute to society, an epic video, song or story is what comes to mind. Creating something I love and that also resonates with people and makes them find joy is the main objective.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My specific electronic sound includes hard-hitting lyrics, deep bass, and vocal chops. Wearing a computer head from time to time brings to life the cyborg branding. I wear the computer head as an alter ego and a way to represent the fact that I, along with most people am human first but part cyborg. Plus, it’s pretty fun.

The cyborg character I created is the first step of my plan. I wanted to generate awareness of the character in my music and what I am most excited about is the next step. I have never mentioned this until now, but I am writing a book and the cyborg character is a main influence in the story.

Things did not come easy for me. I wouldn’t want them to come easy either because if things are easy everyone would do them and it would not be a unique thing. There is value in pushing through hard times and suffering. There is a phrase I love that explains this point, it says “pressure makes diamonds.” Sitting down to create a song or write can be difficult. There are often times of resistance and distractions. However, pushing through resistance and just creating, whether it sees the light of day or not is important. One thing in particular that comes to mind that has helped me overcome challenges is going to the gym. I go 4-6 times a week. The gym has taught me to be disciplined and I can apply what I’ve learned about pushing through resistance and showing up to many areas of my life.

We’re pumping out great music and art with some really talented human beings. My latest song release was a dance cover of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and my fans voted for that to be the Christmas song I covered. I’d like the world to follow along on my journey because it is just getting started and there are some exciting things ahead.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, we would find some good places to eat. Depending on where we are, New York or Boston has the best Italian food. Nashville has some unbelievable BBQ.

Next, I would plan comedy shows to see some funny comedians and keep things light-hearted. I am a huge fan of comedy. Then check out some concerts, maybe a DJ or Country music concert. We would have to include beer, wine, or whiskey tastings. Finally, getting out into nature for a hike or going to the beach/lake if one is nearby.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and friends are the first people that come to mind. They supported me first and have stayed with me through my slow and steady rise. Fellow music producers and singers/songwriters that believed in my vision and worked with me to create beautiful songs have been huge in my life. I could not have done it without them.

I’d like to give a shout-out to the record labels that signed me and believe in my songs. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to my followers online and to my music listeners. Everyone I mentioned has encouraged me to keep going strong and inspires me day in and day out.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jongiurleo

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCD83sxBkVV_Zb072-tgIY7A

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VwRSgTG0Jnd0U0hIbhoKN?si=RT-Jw2BzRdOrr8jwxNbJUw

Image Credits
Alex Doucette

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.